They created two excellent chances. First, when Alhassan Bangura blasted over from six yards when it seemed easier to score after less-than-sturdy goalkeeping by Jose Manuel Reina. Then, in the second half, the Spaniard showed his more reliable side when athletically tipping over Ashley Young's goalbound header.
“We could have got something today,” said visiting manager Adrian Boothroyd, “but we're flyweights competing with Muhammad Ali. On another day, Bangura might have made it 1-0 to us, then who knows what might have happened. For us, it's just finding that edge. We need somebody who can score 20 goals, accept low wages and be willing to come to Watford.”
For 20 minutes, Watford tore into Liverpool. But, this being Watford, they had only Bangura's miss and a scuffed Darius Henderson effort to show for their toil.
Halfway through the first half, prompted by the shivering Spaniards Luis Garcia and Alonso, Liverpool woke up. Then, Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster, who had missed the previous four matches through injury, distinguished himself with the first of a series of fine saves, including a flying header by one of his own, full-back Jordan Stewart.
Two minutes into the second half, Watford's resolute defending and midfield enthusiasm was undone when they stood and admired Steven Gerrard's deft through-ball. The England linchpin had been a peripheral figure in the first half, but here he had the vision to dissect Jay DeMerit and Dan Shittu. Bellamy, whose unselfish off-the-ball running was rightly lauded by Benitez afterwards, ran on and coolly clipped over Foster.
“That goal was a kick in the teeth,” said Boothroyd.
Thus, in a fleeting moment, outstanding finishing by an opponent allied to their own defensive frailty was Watford's season encapsulated. Even then, they were not fully undone, but when Reina foiled Young again, their game was up. Convinced, as was everyone at Anfield, that they would no more score than pull Santa's sleigh tonight, Watford concentrated on avoiding humiliation.
Mark Gonzalez's introduction, in place of Jermaine Pennant, galvanised Liverpool. The Chilean almost created a goal with his first touch, collecting a loose ball and splitting Watford's defence, enabling Bellamy to run through once more, only to be foiled by Foster.
With five minutes remaining, substitute Peter Crouch hit the woodwork, but there was worse to come for the visiting side. There usually is.
Two minutes from time, Watford allowed Dirk Kuyt to pick out Alonso some 25 yards out and the Spaniard launched an exquisite curler past Foster. Christmas, it seems, has come early for Liverpool. For Watford, there will be little seasonal joy
Star Man: Luis Garcia (Liverpool)